Trump Set to Warn 150+ Nations, Medvedev Calls for Preemptive Strikes, Protest Against Turkey Erdogan... and Other News
“What we are witnessing today is no longer a proxy war—it is a full-fledged confrontation.”
Medvedev Calls for Preemptive Strikes as Russia Declares End to Illusions About the West
July 17, 2025
In a fiery and provocative statement, former Russian President and current Deputy Chairman of the Security Council Dmitry Medvedev warned that Moscow may need to launch preemptive strikes against the West, accusing NATO and its allies of waging what he described as a “full-scale war” against Russia.
Speaking to Russian media outlets, Medvedev asserted that the West’s continued military support for Ukraine—including missile deliveries, satellite intelligence sharing, and the ramping up of sanctions—constitutes a de facto war effort aimed at weakening or destroying Russia.
A Harsh Rhetorical Escalation
“What we are witnessing today is no longer a proxy war—it is a full-fledged confrontation,” Medvedev declared. “Sanctions packages, Western missiles, satellite surveillance, and open declarations of European militarization are all part of yet another attempt to erase what the West sees as a ‘historical anomaly’—Russia itself.”
He continued: “We must respond accordingly—with full force. And, if necessary, with preemptive strikes.”
The statement marks one of the starkest warnings yet from a senior Russian official and underscores the Kremlin’s increasingly adversarial stance toward NATO and the European Union.
Relations With the West: "No More Illusions"
Medvedev added that Moscow has "no illusions left" about the nature of its relationship with Western powers, framing the current geopolitical divide as irreparable.
Still, despite the harsh rhetoric, Medvedev denied Western claims that Russia is preparing an offensive against Europe. “Let me be clear,” he said. “Our president has made it absolutely known—Russia has no intention of launching a war with NATO or attacking European countries. Claims to the contrary are pure nonsense.”
Global Implications
Medvedev’s remarks come at a time of deepening global instability, as tensions between Moscow and Western capitals remain at a post-Cold War high. Analysts warn that such statements—whether rhetorical or strategic—raise the risk of miscalculation and unintended escalation, particularly in regions where NATO forces and Russian interests intersect.
Whether Medvedev’s warning is meant to intimidate or signal a genuine shift in Russian military doctrine remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the divide between Russia and the West is hardening, and dialogue appears more distant than ever.
Trump Set to Warn 150+ Nations of New Tariffs Amid Tougher Trade Stance
In a bold escalation of his protectionist trade agenda, U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to formally notify over 150 countries that they could soon face new blanket tariffs—likely set at 10% or 15%.
Speaking from the White House, Trump confirmed that notices would be sent out detailing the new rates, describing most targeted countries as “not big” and with “limited” trade volume with the U.S. Still, the move marks a sweeping expansion of his April "Liberation Day" tariff package, which already slapped 10% duties on most imports and imposed even higher rates on key partners like China, Canada, Mexico, and the EU.
Trump clarified in an interview that the final rate hasn’t been set but will likely fall within the 10–15% range. The tariff warnings extend a prior July 9 deadline, giving countries until August 1 to negotiate better trade terms with Washington or face the levies.
The aggressive approach has stirred unease both abroad and at home. U.S. industrial indicators show signs of strain, with manufacturers grappling with supply chain issues and rising costs. A recent business survey revealed that many firms are absorbing the added expenses rather than raising prices—suggesting growing pressure on margins.
Despite the rhetoric, financial markets have grown more skeptical, recalling previous tariff threats that were later softened amid economic volatility. Behind the scenes, sources suggest officials from the Treasury and Commerce departments have warned that sustained tariffs could spook bond markets and destabilize investor confidence.
UK Lawmakers Reevaluate Intelligence Reliance on US Amid Rising Iran Tensions
British lawmakers have raised serious concerns about the United Kingdom’s growing vulnerability due to its heavy dependence on American intelligence, particularly as tensions with Iran continue to escalate.
In a parliamentary inquiry drafted prior to Donald Trump's potential return to the White House, MPs warned that the UK’s national security posture may be overly reliant on the United States—leaving London exposed if political or strategic priorities in Washington shift.
The report highlights that while intelligence-sharing with the U.S. remains central to the UK's defense architecture—especially through the Five Eyes alliance—this dependence could become a strategic liability in high-risk scenarios such as those involving Iran. Lawmakers are particularly worried that future U.S. administrations might pursue foreign policy decisions that diverge sharply from British interests or could restrict intelligence flow during a crisis.
Given the increasingly volatile situation in the Middle East and concerns over Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional activities, the report urges the UK to strengthen its own independent intelligence capabilities. It also recommends deepening partnerships with European and other non-U.S. allies to reduce overreliance on Washington.
The inquiry reflects a broader trend in UK foreign policy debates: how to maintain a "special relationship" with the U.S. while ensuring sufficient strategic autonomy in an era of unpredictable global leadership and mounting geopolitical threats.
Massive Protest Against Erdogan’s Crackdown in Istanbul Demands Freedom
Tens of thousands took to the streets of Istanbul’s Kartal district last night in a powerful show of defiance against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's government, demanding the release of opposition mayors and calling for justice and early elections.
Organized by the Republican People’s Party (CHP), the rally marked the 37th such protest since March, part of a growing movement sparked by the arrest and removal of Istanbul Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu. Though detained on corruption charges, İmamoğlu has not been formally indicted after more than four months in custody.
Chanting slogans like “Either together or none” and “Shoulder to shoulder against fascism,” demonstrators waved flags and held signs reading “Freedom for Mayors” and “İmamoğlu President.” The event, held under tight police security, is the first major opposition rally on Istanbul’s Asian side since the protests began.